By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Reflecting on the South Carolina Gamecocks’ 2014 season.

Summary — Minus much of their core from 2013, including quarterback Connor Shaw and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the Gamecocks still entered this season as the slight media favorite in the SEC East. Out of the gate, a 52-28 loss to Texas A&M on college football’s first Thursday night stunned many. South Carolina, however, responded with consecutive wins over East Carolina, rival Georgia and Vanderbilt. A turning port of sorts came against Missouri; one year after a miraculous comeback helped the Gamecocks leave Columbia-west with a victory, the Tigers scored a late game-winning touchdown and held on 21-20 in Williams-Brice Stadium. From there, South Carolina lost by seven at Kentucky, by seven at Auburn and by three against Tennessee in overtime. Of the Gamecocks’ six defeats, four of them were by a total of 18 points. A Duck Commander Independence Bowl triumph over Miami secured a winning season for South Carolina, which did win three of its last four to finish the year. Quarterback Dylan Thompson led the division in touchdown passes with 26, while wideout Pharoh Cooper ranked second in the SEC with 1,136 receiving yards.

Biggest Surprise — After three receptions a season ago, Pharoh Cooper emerged as one of the nation’s top playmakers. He compiled 69 catches, over 1,100 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, 200 rushing yards and two more scores and threw touchdown passes against both Tennessee and South Alabama. He earned first-team All-SEC honors and will be on many pre-season All-American teams this summer.

Biggest Disappointment — The season-opener was a major letdown. At home, the Gamecocks allowed 680 total yards, 39 first downs and, ultimately, 52 points to Texas A&M in the Aggies’ first game without Johnny Manziel.. As a highly-anticipated 2014 debut, the performance was especially frustrating. Before most teams around the country had even played, South Carolina was already 0-1 in league play.

Stat of the Year — There were big plays in the passing game all year long. The Gamecocks totaled 60 completions of 20 yards or more, the highest total in the SEC. Receivers Pharoh Cooper and Damiere Byrd both averaged about 16 yards per reception.

Offensive MVP: Pharoh Cooper, WR
Defensive MVP: Skai Moore, LB
Rising Star: Rico McWilliams, CB